🇨🇦 Montreal vs 🇺🇸 New York

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇨🇦

Montreal

Canada

$2,092–$3,313/mo

C$2,906 – C$4,601 / month (local)

🇺🇸

New York

United States

$3,077–$4,872/mo

$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)

New York is 47% more expensive

Montreal wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryMontreal (USD)New York (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,569–$2,441$2,308–$3,590🟢 Montreal
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$828–$1,308$1,218–$1,923🟢 Montreal
Utilities$65–$126$96–$186🟢 Montreal
Groceries$331–$497$487–$731🟢 Montreal
Eating out (mid-range meal)$44–$78$64–$115🟢 Montreal
Public transport (monthly)$83–$100$122–$147🟢 Montreal
Internet & Mobile$26–$44$38–$64🟢 Montreal
Gym membership$31–$57$45–$83🟢 Montreal
Cinema ticket$12–$16$18–$23🟢 Montreal
Monthly total (single)$2,092–$3,313$3,077–$4,872🟢 Montreal

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing6.3 / 10 · 2.7 / 10
Montreal▲ better
New York
Safety9.6 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Montreal▲ better
New York
Healthcare7.9 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Montreal
New York▲ better
Education7.5 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Montreal
New York▲ better
Environment8.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Montreal
New York▲ better
Economy8.3 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Montreal▲ better
New York
Culture8.9 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Montreal▲ better
New York
Internet7.6 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Montreal
New York▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Montreal if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
  • Culture
  • Food
  • Affordable vs Toronto
  • Students

Choose New York if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Montreal
  • Career opportunities
  • Culture
  • Transit
  • Finance

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Full Montreal guide

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Full New York guide

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Explore New York